Overview

We will be adding a new activity at this year’s HHC called the Trading Corner. This will be an area in the conference meeting room set aside for attendees to post and share lists of their calculators, manuals, accessories, ROM applications, etc. that they would like to trade for other similar items as well as lists of items each person wants to acquire by trading.

The goals are simple: to provide a forum for attendees to exchange items to add to their collections, find new homes for items they no longer need or use, but mostly to have fun. We all collect these tools to a greater or lesser extent, so let’s do a little preparation organizing some lists of the items to trade, and then by posting and sharing copies at the conference, arrange for and negotiate trades to benefit each other, meet new people, and acquire more toys. Er... Tools.

If we have enough room, there may be an opportunity to display your items for trade. Space is always a challenge at the HHC so this may not be available, but we will do our best to have some.

If you wish to participate, please prepare a list of the items you would like to trade for other items, and a separate list of the items you would like to acquire via trade. Sample blank forms can be downloaded below. Excel files are provided to edit and fill in with your item details, and PDF forms are also provided if you prefer to print out and fill-in by hand. There is also a sample PDF file provided with examples of possible ways to complete the forms – note these are merely suggestions of possible ways to describe your items; feel free to fill out the forms (or even create your own) however you prefer.

Free Gift

As an incentive to participate in our initial Trading Corner, each attendee that posts a trade list (and trades!) will receive a free gift, specially selected for the true calculator aficionados we are, and kindly donated by an anonymous HHC 2013 attendee.

Rules of Engagement

• All items, condition and descriptions should be stated objectively and honestly so others can make reasonable decisions about trading values
• Once trades have been finalized, even if the items are not present to physically exchange, the persons involved are expected to treat it as a final and permanent trade, even if a “better” deal comes along afterwards
• Trading of “future” items (i.e. items a person just acquired in a trade agreement, but without taking possession of said item) are discouraged since the new owner cannot honestly and fairly represent the item for trade
• Negotiations for trades should be conducted during breaks, evenings, etc. to not interfere with presentations. Also, best done with witnesses for sheer entertainment value.
• Items donated to the Door Prize table will be tagged with the donor’s name. During the course of the HHC, anyone can contact the original owner and arrange a trade of fair and equal value, however it is expected the new item will remain on the Door Prize table, as we all love that portion on Sunday afternoon. If you donate an item to the Door Prize table, please either leave it there or replace it with something in trade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to participate in the Trading Corner?
A: No, no one has to participate; it’s just an extension of the HHC conference to add some fun.

Q: Can I sell my items instead of trading?
A: No one wishes to control what you choose to do, however the intention is to encourage sharing and exchanging lists of items to trade, not to sell or purchase. Other channels exist for selling and buying.

Q: I have some awesome tools, 2 slide rules and a book on algorithms; should I include them in my lists?
A: Sure, anything you think that may of interest to this group can be included. If you love it, odds are other attendees will too. Maybe create separate lists for these different items.

Q: Do I have to bring everything I want to trade to the HHC?
A: No. Although it is certainly more convenient to trade items you have on-hand, and things like each item’s condition is more easily seen than explained, the sheer volume of stuff makes it inconvenient or impossible for some attendees to bring it all. The Corner will primarily be for negotiating and arranging trades, which can then be consummated between the traders by mail, etc. after returning home. That being said, please do bring as much as you can carry, though you may also be carrying some of it home.

Q: I have suggestions for how this Trading Corner could be more effective or more fun, what can I do?
A: We will be holding a session at HHC 2013 to discuss how useful this is, how it can be improved for next year, etc., so please write down those ideas and bring them to HHC 2013.

Sample Forms for Download

• Items to Trade – Excel
  
• Items to Trade – PDF

• Example List To Trade - PDF

• Items Wanted – Excel
  
• Items Wanted – PDF